Offers of Help for Robbed Tourists

27
Jan

Two German tourists have been shown a nicer side to Whangarei, after their van and belongings were stolen. The Poor Knights Islands certainly were a highlight, and the warmth of the people on the Tutukaka Coast made a difference with the genuine response showing Northland's real manaakitanga (hospitality and respect).

"It's a mix of hospitality and karma. If my daughter was in trouble somewhere I'd like to know someone was looking after her."

Anke Kuballa, 20, and Marc Busch, 22, went shopping in the city centre on January 13 and parked their Mitsubishi L300 van on Clyde St.

They returned to find the vehicle, and $13,000 worth of belongings, gone.

But since that awful moment, Whangarei has rallied around the Cologne couple with offers of vehicles, accommodation and a free cruise to the Poor Knights Islands.

The couple had already been invited to stay with the Te Kani family, of Onerahi, after Jimmy Te Kani learnt they would have had nowhere to stay while repairs were carried out on the van.

Mr Te Kani offered them the use of his car to travel to Auckland to organise temporary passports.

He had been contacted by Raewyn and Blue Thomson, owners of Braeburn Motel at Whangaumu Bay, who offered the pair free accommodation.

“They invited us all out for a barbecue tonight and we’re going,” Mr Te Kani said yesterday.

Mrs Thomas said the robbing of tourists was an embarrassment for Northland and the whole of New Zealand, but there were plenty of people prepared to help.

She contacted the owners of Schnappa Rock restaurant who offered the couple a free meal and Dive! Tutukaka who invited them on a free cruise.

Dive! Tutukaka manager Kate Malcolm said the response was about showing Northland’s real manaakitanga (hospitality and respect).

“It’s a mix of hospitality and karma. If my daughter was in trouble somewhere I’d like to know someone was looking after her.”

And Pataua North resident Max Burgess rang to say the Germans were welcome to use his 1994 Toyota Camry for the rest of their holiday.

“It’s such a hellish thing to happen to someone, I felt gut-wrenched. We’ve got the Camry sitting there and we’re not in a hurry to sell it, so they can have it for the rest of their trip if they like,” Mr Burgess said.

Mr Te Kani said it was important for him to show to Mr Busch and Ms Kuballa “we’re not all like this”.

“I’m so ashamed it’s happened here - this is my town.

“We’re a wonderful destination, we’ve just got a few dingoes who are too lazy to get a job.”

Mr Busch and Ms Kuballa said they were very grateful for the response.

For more information

Northern Advocate

Braeburn Resort